Bourreria domingensis auct. non (DC.) Griseb.
Bourreria ovata Miers
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Bourreria succulenta Jacq. Strongbark, smooth strongback, Bahama strongbark, bodywood
Strongbark is endangered, found in sand and limestone substrate-based dry broadleaf evergreen forests in south Florida, the Bahamas region, and the keys. People cannot seem to agree on the name. “Strongbark” or “strongback”? “Strongback” is said to derive from the bark’s purported aphrodisiac properties: strong backs for bedroom performance. Plants: Trees are 10-15′ (3-4.6 m) high, rarely reaching 28′ (8.5 m). They are 5-15′ (1.5-4.6 m) around. Trunks are ¾-4″ (2-10 cm) around, rarely reaching 8″ (20 cm). Leaves: Alternate, up to 4½″ (12 cm) long, with smooth edges. Leaf stems (petioles) are yellow-green. Flowers: White, with five white fused petals. There are five stamens, fused against the flower and alternating with the petals. The flowers are showy and persist through the summer. Fruits: Orange-red to saffron, attractive, less than ¼″ (6.3 mm) around. Edibility: Fruits are barely edible, said to be sweet but soapy tasting. A tea can be prepared from the bark. Online References:
Bourreria succulenta description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020.
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4/14/2015 · Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo, Florida · ≈ 10 × 7″ (25 × 16 cm)
4/14/2015 · Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo, Florida · ≈ 2 × 1′ (59 × 39 cm)
4/14/2015 · Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo, Florida · ≈ 2 × 1′ (59 × 39 cm)
4/14/2015 · Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Key Largo, Florida · ≈ 15 × 10″ (37 × 25 cm) Range:
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